Michael Kiwanuka and Slash at the same venue? The cool part was after this photo I went and stood where the guy in the hat is standing in the above pic. I placed a call on my cell phone and I look over and 10 feet away was Myles Kennedy speaking on his cell phone. It was pretty cool.

I cannot bring myself to devalue Michael's raw talent by comparing him to a soul influence he may or may not have. I do not see him as a clone, I believe that this type of music is in his DNA. He performs his craft far too well to be a mere copy. Before he started I was marveling at his guitars.. pretty much one of everything you would ever need. I saw a Fender Telecaster, a Fender Stratocaster, a Gibson 335, and a Gibson Les Paul as 70s soul classics were playing over the P.A.

Michael's voice was CD perfect and his band seemed to be accomplished musicians backing him. Not only does his music have feel but he knows how to feel his own music. It was almost as if he was possessed at times just letting the music go through him. I took video of "Tell Me A Tale" and it became a 13 minute jam session. No one was taking any lead parts, they were just feeling it....everyone in the band. No one was looking up waiting for a ending signal..they all just dug in and played and loved it.

Michael Kiwanuka may not be a household name but his craft is marvelous and sincere while being well thought out. No studio tricks here, just a soulful sound that is true to the core of that genre.